ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Teniade Broughton, Chairperson
SUBJECT:
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CRA COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AWARD - FRANK MARSTON AMERICAN LEGION POST #33
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approve a Commercial Property Improvement Program funding award, in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00, to the Frank Marston Post 33, Incorporated, The American Legion, Department of Florida for eligible improvements to the property located at 1401 W. Intendencia Street, Pensacola, Florida. Further, that the CRA authorize the CRA Chairperson to take all actions necessary to complete the project pursuant to the program documents.
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SUMMARY:
On December 11, 2017, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved a commercial property improvement program for administration within targeted districts of the City of Pensacola’s designated community redevelopment areas which was subsequently amended. Implementation of this program is identified as a key redevelopment strategy within the City of Pensacola’s Urban Core and Westside adopted community redevelopment plans.
The Commercial Property Improvement Program is designed to support the preservation and enhancement of commercial, non-residential buildings and historic cemeteries, increase building occupancy and reuse, eliminate, and prevent blight, and preserve and enhance the tax base in accordance with the public purposes. For all qualified projects, except cemeteries, the program allows for up to $150,000 in funding based on property age, square footage, and cultural/historical significance. The assistance provided is secured by a forgivable loan for an established period defined as the Maintenance and Occupancy Period. During this period occupancy or reuse of the building must be actively sought or achieved, in accordance with the applicant’s approved occupancy and operating plan, the building may not be used for an ineligible purpose, the property must be maintained in good and faithful compliance with the program and the site must not be intentionally demolished and/or rebuilt.
The Frank Marston American Legion Post #33 was founded in 1919. In the summer of 1931, the building located at 1401 W. Intendencia Street was built for around $25,000 from funds raised by local veterans during the height of the Great Depression, to support and house Post 33. One of the oldest American Legion posts in the country, Post 33 sponsored the establishment of the first African American post in our region, and which still exists today on 12th Avenue.
According to the University of West Florida Historic Trust, the building meets the cultural significance requirements of the CRA Commercial Property Improvement Program guidelines, and the building is architecturally significant, being a good example of the 1930s Spanish revival style. In addition, Post 33 intends to pursue National Historical Registration as outlined in the Occupancy and Operating Plan.
The Frank Marston American Legion Post #33 has applied for funding through the Commercial Property Improvement Program for the property located at 1401 West Intendencia Street, Pensacola, Florida. The proposed improvements include window restoration, roofing, exterior repairs, exterior painting, door repair and replacement, exterior lighting, and landscaping. Renderings of the project are included in the application documents.
According to the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s records, the American Legion building was built in 1930 and is 7,120 square feet. In addition, the building qualifies as a culturally significant building in accordance with the program guidelines. Based on these factors the Legion qualifies for up to $140,000 of funding assistance as outlined in the table below. Based on this funding threshold, the Maintenance and Occupancy Period is 10 years. A copy of the applicant’s occupancy and operating plan is included within the application documents.
|
FUNDING CRITERIA |
DETERMINATION |
QUALIFYING AMOUNT |
|
Age |
93 years |
$35,000 |
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Square Footage |
7,120 |
$80,000 |
|
Culturally or Historically Significant |
Yes |
$25,000 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$140,000 |
The American Legion is a Department of Revenue 501(c)19 tax exempt entity. As a tax exempt entity the match required is 10% of the project cost or $14,000. The American Legion will contribute roofing materials, with a value totaling $16,574.88. This in-kind contribution of donated materials satisfies the match requirement.
PRIOR ACTION:
December 11, 2017 - The CRA approved the Commercial Façade Improvement Program to be administered within target districts of the City of Pensacola’s designated community redevelopment areas.
February 5, 2018 - The CRA approved the Westside Redevelopment Board recommendation to amend the Westside Commercial Façade Improvement Target Area Boundaries to include the west side of Pace Boulevard from Cervantes Street to Main Street.
December 10, 2018 - The CRA approved amendments to the Commercial Façade Improvement Program.
November 11, 2022 - The CRA approved the Commercial Property Improvement Program policy.
FUNDING:
Budget: $140,000.00 CRA Fund
Actual: $140,000.00
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the FY2023 CRA budget.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
2/23/2023
STAFF CONTACT:
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator - Community Development
Sherry Morris, Development Services Director
Victoria D’Angelo, CRA Assistant Manager
Hilary Halford, CRA Program Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1) American Legion Application
PRESENTATION: No end